Who Makes the Best Tape Measures? good question. Speaking of tape measures, we've looked at traditional models before. Increasingly popular in almost every field is magnetic tape measurement. They combine the functionality of a traditional tape measure with the same level of precision on a blade. Then they added the ability to stick to any ferrous material which adds great convenience to these materials. As a bonus, the magnets are usually strong enough to double the tape as a magnetic pickup tool, and multiple companies list this openly in their features. Finding the best tape measure in a shootout seems like the next logical thing to do in our opinion.
Editor's Note: Think you know everything about tape? Check out our article on how to read a tape measure, we promise you'll learn something new!
We brought in six 25' tape measurements from Hart, Klein, Lufkin, Malco, Milwaukee, and Stanley. Of course there are other sizes for us to choose from. However, 25 is a common length for tape measurements, but it tends to add some frustration. We wanted to see if having a magnet would result in being able to use the entire length of the tape without having a second pair of hands to help you.
Adjusting the accuracy of the best tape measurements
One of the biggest issues with creating tape measuring tangs is accuracy. How are you supposed to keep your measurements accurate when you are now measuring from the other side of the hook? Most of the companies we're looking at are very concerned about the accuracy of their tapes, although in most cases it's a very small width. If you're going to claim the best tape measurement, it needs to be accurate. For our evaluation we used the Lixer Master Gage Block.
Another way to deal with these problems is to simply have a known quantity that you need to subtract from your measurement to compensate. Grabbing the outside of the tang adds its thickness to your total measurement, so it needs to be subtracted. Malco requires you to subtract 1/16", while Lufkin requires you to subtract 1/8". Oddly, I can't find any instructions for measuring the Klein tape, but I measure it to be 1/8" deduction. It's important to know that you only need to do the subtraction when using the magnetic side of the tang. For Normal hook use, just measure as usual.
Look, Mom, no math!
I don't know how many people out there like subtraction. For those, there is another way to compensate for the outside using the tang. Hart, Milwaukee, and Stanley all designed their hooks to not involve math (and very happily!). For this, the magnet and the hook are separated. When used traditionally, the tang itself is pulled out slightly for precise measurements. When using the magnetic end, the attraction of the magnet will hold the tang flush. That way, no matter how you use the tape measure, you'll get accurate measurements.
reconsider standing out
You can't talk about the best tape measurements without addressing outstanding issues. This is true even when the focus is on the tape. I looked at the protrusion distances on all 6 tapes like any good evaluation. However, what I'm really interested in is whether the magnets are strong enough to maintain the entire 25 feet. I hope they all meet this requirement.
Horizontal Protrusion Length
- Stanley Fat Max: 10'6″
- Hart: 9'0″
- Milwaukee: 8'10"
- Marko: 7'8″
- Love: 7'3″
- Klein: 7'1″
I'm going to say openly that I think horizontal protrusion length is one of the most useless tests you can do. Yes, everyone wants to know who has the best grade. However, there was so much flex in the tape at that point that the measurement itself was statistically invalid. One good reason it stands out: if you need to hook the end of the material and can't reach it. Having said all that, is anyone really surprised that Stanley Fat Max won?
Magnetic Horizontal Protrusion Length (Painted Steel)
- Klein: 25′+
- Marco: 25' +
- Stanley: 25'
- Love: 22'9″
- Hart: 19'0″
- Milwaukee: 18'4″
Again, this is more of a measure of bragging rights than any measure of substance. The ability to stand out using a magnet is not just a measure of the strength of the magnet. It's also a function of how much weight is on the blade. I've noticed that the Milwaukee and Stanley blades are much heavier than the others. Klein's magnetism is obviously the strongest among this group of people. Two square rare earth magnets were strong enough for me to eliminate all but an inch or two of sag in the blade.
One thing that surprised me was the much lower unsupported protrusion of the Hart and Milwaukee tape measures. Remember the magic non-subtraction I mentioned earlier about these two? At first, I thought I was working on a problem with the strength of the magnet. As it turns out, it was actually that style that seemed to let them down before everyone else.
impressive holding power
To its credit, each tape measure is capable of running 25 feet on unpainted heavy gauge steel. The apparent difference in the cling strength of these magnets led me to see how they would work on painted surfaces, as these conditions make them less clingy.
All tape measurements tested easily stretched to a length of 25 feet when supported horizontally. All of them are also capable of supporting their own weight vertically and can reach a full magnetic vertical protrusion of 25 feet.
at the end of the line
In addition to containing magnets and serving as hooks, the tangs on the ends of these tapes can also limit or enhance their versatility. The Klein, Milwaukee, and Stanley (sort of) are double hook designs. This means they can be hooked from the top or bottom in non-ferrous applications.
Milwaukee's Don is the most prolific and versatile of the group. I was able to hang the ends of the material from 8 separate points on the tang: top, bottom, sides and all 4 corners. Very impressive! I have 4 connection points to Klein at the top, bottom and bottom two corners. Stanley provides three solid points at the bottom of the tang and two very rough points at the top. If the magnets weren't in the way, it might give me a better top hook point.
For a single-hook tape measure, only Malco's basics are worth mentioning. They're designed to be wider than the blade, which means you can use the anchor points on the left, right and bottom two corners as well as the basic bottom hook for hooking.
For my money, I really want a good left and right connection in case I reach and can't see the top of the tape in its natural position. However, with a blade that prints on both sides, I want a secure connection when the tape is flipped so I can actually read the back. This is especially true when there is additional information, such as blueprint scales or cabinet markings underneath. The Hart is the only dual-print blade that doesn't offer a double-hook design.
Other Notable Features Worth Considering
The best tape measures don't need to be fancy. Still, some extra features would be nice to have. The others are just hype. Occasionally, you'll get a feature that really catches your eye and grabs your attention. Here are some of what I found.
Hart and Milwaukee each use a wire belt clip, which I prefer to the standard belt clip. I feel like they are less of a threat to damage my belt, but stay stronger. You'll notice that the blade printing is also very similar in both tape measurements, almost identical in fact. Both companies are part of the TTI (Techtronic Industries) umbrella and apparently share some common design philosophies.
Klein has very clear and very easy to read fractions every 1/8 inch on their tape measures. This rules out guessing or computing individual tokens.
Lufkin bucks the trend by offering 1/32" markings on the tape measure instead of the 1/16" of other tape measures.
The Milwaukee has a dual magnet system, but not two at the end of the tang. Their second magnet is located on the bottom of the blade. This helps the tape measure hold well on round ferrous materials such as steel pipes.
in conclusion
Accuracy is still key when it comes to finding the best tape measurements. This puts Hart, Milwaukee, and Stanley a notch above the rest from the start, as they were able to rationalize internal and external tang measurements without doing the math or memorizing fractions. Holdover capability is why we started looking at tape measurements. Klein took the strongest escape with Marco and Stanley at least within their line of sight.
Functionally, the Milwaukee gives me the greatest number of solid attachment points on the tang, which is enhanced by the second magnet. Klein has also done a great job making their tang versatile as well. I really like the blade brakes I have on my Hart and Milwaukee models. While the Hart's brake button is well positioned, I actually prefer the Milwaukee's finger stops. I feel like I have more control, and it's positioned to keep the edge of the blade from touching your fingers. At the end of the day, the best tape measure should be easy to handle.
Ergonomic Issues
Ergonomically, I don't hate any model. All of this makes it possible to use any function with one hand. The Klein's blade lock is the easiest to use, both locking and unlocking, and I don't feel like I have to stretch my thumb too far to get it to work. Everyone's hands are a different size and mine is on the small side. The Malco's more compact design fits best in my hand, with the Klein not far behind.
Durability is definitely a consideration with some of these tapes. The best tape measures will have rubber overmolding for protection. In fact, this helps most models. Several also have nylon-coated blades, and the Stanley Fat Max has a combination of coatings. The Milwaukee has a 5 point reinforced frame. They all come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. While there are a few in the mix, I feel best about Milwaukee when it comes to durability.
Hart 25′ Tape Measure with Blade Brake
- Model: HTM25
- double print
- blade brake
- Architectural Scale: 1/8″ and 1/4″ Scale
- lifetime warranty
- Price: $13
- Available Spring 2015
Hart tape measurements are not available yet, but will be soon. A combination of features, some of which are shared with distant cousins from Milwaukee, and a price that's hard to beat. It will benefit from stronger magnets and double hook tangs to make better use of both printing surfaces. For $13, the Hart is our value winner.
Klein 25′ tape measurement
- Model: 93225
- double print
- Rubber Overmolding
- Nylon coated blade
- Price: $20.99
- lifetime warranty
There are many good things to say about Klein's tape measurements. Printed scores and strongest magnets are the most obvious highlights. I'd like to see Klein add a solution that would eliminate the need to subtract 1/8 inch from magnetic measurements, giving it a chance at the top spot. This is my favorite runner up.
Malco 25′ Magnetic Tip Tape Measure
- Model: T425M
- single side printing
- Nylon coated blade
- Rubber Overmolding
- Price: $18.33
- lifetime warranty
Malco makes a decent tape that puts it in the middle of the pack for features and price. It has enough rubber overmolding around it to protect the tape and enhance grip. It's a solid choice for professionals looking for durability over features to keep the price down.
Milwaukee 25′ tape measure
- Model: 48-22-5125A
- Includes free 16' model
- double print
- Architectural Scale: 1/8″ and 1/4″ Scale
- finger blade stop
- double magnet
- Price: $24.97
- lifetime warranty
Feature-wise, Milwaukee has pretty much it all. The only thing I'd really like to see here is a second or stronger magnet in the tang. Functionality, durability, and its combination with its 16-foot little brother make it my favorite. As long as Home Depot is still carrying those two packages, this is the one I tell my friends to pick up. Heck, even if they didn't have those, I'd still be telling my friends to get this one.
Lufkin 25′ Hi-Viz Magnetic End Hook Tape Measure
- Model: L725MAG
- single side printing
- 1/32″ mark
- Hi-Viz Orange
- Rubber overmolded grip
- Price: $9.97
- lifetime warranty
If you're looking for the best tape measure at a low price, this is it. You get an added bonus because this is the only tape in this set that offers 1/32" markings. It's also Hi-Vis Orange, so you're less likely to lose it on the job site.
Stanley Fat Max 25′ Tape Measurements
- Model: FMHT33865
- single side printing
- Blade Armor Coated Blade
- Mylar Polyester Coated Blades
- Rubber Overmolding
- 1-1/4″ blade width
- Price: $22.97
- lifetime warranty
The Stanley Fat Max is a perennial winner of tape measure comparisons, and for good reason. This is a tough and durable all-around tape measure. It's a two-pronged attack on durability, and the Blade Armor and Mylar coatings on the blade help it a lot. The extra 1/4 inch width of the blade makes it more capable than any competitor. I'd like to see them keep up with Milwaukee by printing the bottom of the blade and making the tang stronger. When it comes to what it already has, there's really nothing to complain about.